Last night I decided to finally play around with my material like I had been threatening to do over the last couple of nights. I thought if i start with something different it would give me a good energy for the gig. As luck would have it some of the guys who work at The Comic's Lounge mentioned an old routine I used to perform that I have literally not thought about in the last six or seven years. It was a fun routine too. Basically the story (based in fact with a bit of sugar added for comedy reasons) revolved around me taking a girl on a date to see an amateur production of a Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing". While we were watching the show her phone rang and not only did she answer it but she pushed through the audience and stood just outside the door yelling her conversation with her Mum. She then returned to sit next to me completely oblivious to her faux pas.
This was a fun piece to perform because instead of telling the story I would instead act out the situation. You have the audience looking at the stage and I'd sit next to a guy in the audience who would play me in this scenario. This requires them to look mortified and hope it will all end soon. Not a stretch for the poor dude who just wishes I wouldn't draw attention to him now let alone in my performance piece. I then make the noise of the phone ringing, her initial answering of the phone, then pushing through the audience until I would arrive at the back of the room. From there I would carry out a really loud conversation that everyone can hear before returning to my seat. To be honest the routine never found a strong last line but the journey was always a hit with people. I had not thought of it in such a long time but once the lads brought it up I thought I would throw it in and see how it went. To my delight it went down well with the audience and allowed me to drop the "Tram Story" as there are similar conceits involved in both routines. It is interesting to look at your material over the years and discover the patterns that emerge. It appears that the same things have annoyed me for well over a decade, I'm just funnier at expressing them now that I have hit my forties.

Here's the setlist:

Afghanistan: Need to do something different

Afghanistan: Marching on ANZAC Day

Soldiers are funny.

Turning 40

Car Crash in Adelaide

Invite Who You Want To Parties

Hairy Baby

Being An Arsehole

Little Boy Joke

Tripping and Farting

Girl at the Theatre

Gym Conversation

Breaking Up Through History

Gastro

Getting Angry as I Get Older

No Need to Share All Your Opinions

Glitter in Invitations

People wearing your glasses

Spooning

As you may be able to tell there were a couple of routines dropped and new ones slotted in. There was also some shuffling about of material onstage which helps to keep me on my toes. I think I might see if I can find a stronger ending to the story about the girl at the theatre and give it another whirl at the next show. It is like catching up with an old friend and having them remind you why you always found their company so delightful.

What people might not realise is that it is a really supportive environment at The Lounge. Between the lads who work behind the scenes and the acts (Monty Franklin, Anthony Salame and comedy legend Brad Oakes.) you couldn't ask for a more relaxed work place that encourages you to not only have fun with your material but inspires you to take risks so you don't fall into the trap of performing the same word perfect set every night.